spliting case question
 

I dropped the key from the cam into motor. do I split the case? if so can I just split it and just put it back together. 1982 sc 3.0 48k miles. thanks carl

Carl, in your other thread on this same topic people who are very experienced with these engines have told you that you will be able to fish the key out with a magnet, and yesterday you said that you just ordered one of those neat looking, bendable probe magnets . . . so are you saying that you've already taken delivery of it and that method didn't work for you? If not, I'm wondering why you are asking about splitting the case?

Try to retrieve it first..........
 

With the engine on an engine stand, you could rotate and position the engine so you could visually locate the 'strayed key' and retrieve it. Home Depot sells a probe with a camera. That would be a perfect tool for this project. Have you tried to remove the sump plate? At this point, I would not advise to turn or rotate the engine (crankshaft) until you get it out. I've dropped a washer before and was able to retrieve it easily. Just take your time and relax. Do not panic. The missing key is not going any where. It is inside somewhere in the engine case. Keep us posted.

Tony

thanks. the reason I posted it twice is that I could not find the first post until after I made this post. tomorrow I will pull the sump plate. I ordered the mag. snake but will not make it until next week. sorry for the two post. I will be better in the future. it just worried me a lot.....thanks carl
edit: I will not turn the crank until I get all dropped parts out.

I have done the same thing, Just remove the sump plate, stick a magnet in there and you will find it,

took 2 hrs. but I got both parts out. now on to pulling the pistons...thanks everyone.....carl

Glad you found it and don't worry about the extra post, anyone of us would be sick over dropping a part into the engine.